Nero d'Avola "A Zita cu Zitu" 2019

Located in a valley in Sicily , in the province of Agrigento, the Luna Sicana estate began its adventure in 2008, driven by the desire to enhance the potential of this wonderful land with the cultivation of vines, olive trees, pistachio trees and other crops linked to the land. The promotion of Sicily's native grape varieties, organic farming and the manufacturing of high quality products are the pillars of the estate.

This vintage is made from Nero d'Avola , the most famous Sicilian grape variety on the island. The vines grow on soils of different types as it is crossed by the Platani river which, over the years, has left both loamy and sandy soil and with many river stones. The harvest is done manually in small crates and the grapes are stored for around ten days in the cellar. After gentle pressing, fermentation takes place with native yeasts, without chemical inputs, followed by one month of maceration on skins. The wine will age for 10 months in barrels followed by 4 months in stainless steel vats. This wine reveals aromas of plum , prunes , blackcurrant , blackberry , red flowers , black cherry , tobacco , ash notes , graphite and licorice . The palate is juicy, elegant around a firm tannic structure. The finish is mineral and spicy.

Ah Italy, what a beautiful hedonistic country, people of the Dolce Vita, but what difficulty in understanding its wine organization! The key to understanding the naming system in Italy is to think of it as several small countries rather than a single homogeneous country because each region has its own naming system. Italy can, however, give wine lovers a multitude of wines with varied and unique flavors and styles, as well as bottles filled with surprise and creativity. Unfortunately, it also produces a large quantity of soulless and characterless wines which are sold under their most useful and commercially reputable name: Pinot Grigio, Chianti, Valpolicella, Lambrusco, Prosecco and many others... But let's talk a little history, viticulture in Italy dates back to ancient times and it originated in Greece. The Etruscans would have planted vines and Greek immigrants would have improved and modified the grape varieties who subsequently called this country "Oenotria": the country of wine. At the height of the Roman Empire, wine held an important place in daily life and certain regions already stood out for the excellence of their product. The Romans also established numerous vineyards in Europe, leaving an indelible testimony to their invasion. Today Italy is the largest wine producer in the world, ahead of France. Italy is divided into three climatic areas. The northern mountains experience a fairly harsh mountain climate. The “middle of the boot” plain is the domain of the continental climate with cold winters and hot, stormy summers. In the "southern part of the Italian boot" the Mediterranean climate reigns with very hot and very dry summers without forgetting the islands of Sicily and Sardinia. In summary, Italy produces wines of great variety thanks to its 200 different grape varieties, many of which originate from their lands. It is a country just as complex as its wines which deserve to be explored!